You don't usually need to visit the doctor for lice. Home care will get rid of them most of the time. Call your doctor if

• A baby or child younger than two has lice. Don't try home care.

• You have repeated outbreaks of lice.

• Sores from scratching become infected.

• You have lice on your eyebrows or eyelashes. Your doctor may have to remove them if you can't. Your doctor may also prescribe a petroleum jelly that gets rid of lice on and around the eyes.

• You have crab lice. Your doctor may want to check for sexually transmitted diseases.

• The itching is driving you crazy.

• You get a rash or have a seizure after using a medicated cream or shampoo. In rare cases, even the low doses of poison in the antilouse lotions can cause grave side effects.

• You're pregnant or nursing. The treatment may be harmful to your fetus or infant.

• You have any ailment such as heart trouble or a history of seizures. Ask your doctor before using antilouse treatments.